Lord Warner: In November 2005 a European Commission-commissioned, Health Protection Agency-run, influenza pandemic exercise (Exercise Common Ground) was undertaken. Participants included the EC and European Union member states.
	The key lessons learned from the EC viewpoint include:
	further clarity on roles and responsibilities of the EU Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the World Health Organisation and the European Commission is required; and
	problems experienced with the sifting and organisation of large amounts of information under pressure and managing information flow to the commissioner and senior staff.
	At a recent meeting, the HPA's report on the exercise to the European Commission was finalised with member states and other involved bodies. The report will now be submitted to the EC for consideration.
	The initial feedback received from the participants in the United Kingdom part of the exercise indicated that the process was very useful and served to develop a better understanding of the various phases of a pandemic, and a clearer view of the respective roles and responsibilities ascribed to the agencies likely to be involved in the national and international response.
	We are aware that the EC is currently considering a future exercise, but, as yet, no date or scenario has been confirmed.